The Handmaid’s Tale Spinoff: What to Expect from The Testaments
Hulu is developing a new series titled The Testaments, a spinoff of the acclaimed show The Handmaid’s Tale. Here’s what we know so far.
Background and Cast
Based on Margaret Atwood’s dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale explores a future where women are forced into servitude due to declining fertility rates. The original series, featuring Elisabeth Moss, Yvonne Strahovski, and others, debuted in 2017.
The sixth and final season of The Handmaid’s Tale was announced in September 2022. Bruce Miller, the creator, stepped aside to focus on The Testaments, with Eric Tuchman and Yahlin Chang taking over as showrunners.
Continuing the Story
Although The Handmaid’s Tale is concluding, its universe will continue with The Testaments, set 15 years later. Atwood’s sequel novel, written after the original series began, follows three women recounting Gilead’s fate after June’s departure and Aunt Lydia’s role as a Mayday informant.
Setting and Characters
The spinoff occurs 15 years later, narrated by Aunt Lydia. It introduces Agnes from Gilead and Daisy from Canada, who work to expose Gilead’s secrets. They disguise themselves as “Pearl Girls” to infiltrate Canada, while Aunt Lydia provides covert assistance from within Gilead.
Adaptation and Vision
The Testaments, published in 2019, is a sequel to Atwood’s original novel. It presents a narrative through the eyes of three women, exploring Gilead’s downfall. The audiobook features Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia, with Bryce Dallas Howard and Mae Whitman voicing other characters.
Atwood expressed interest in exploring how regimes like Gilead collapse. She worked closely with Miller during the development of the series, ensuring alignment with her vision.
Release and Expectations
Hulu and MGM announced plans for The Testaments before the final season of The Handmaid’s Tale. The spinoff is set to premiere in April 2026.
Returning Characters
Ann Dowd will reprise her role as Aunt Lydia. Fans hope Elisabeth Moss will return as June, as her children, Nichole and Hannah (Daisy and Agnes), are central to The Testaments. Newcomers include Chase Infiniti as Agnes, Lucy Halliday as Daisy, and Rowan Blanchard as Shunammit.
